Track Listing

1. Declaration of Rights
2. Good Lord
3. Forward Unto Zion
4. Know Jah Today
5. Abendigo
6. Y Mas Gan
7. Black Man's Strain
8. Satta Massagana
9. I and I
10. African Race
11. Leggo Beast
12. Peculiar Number
13. Reason Time
14. There Is No End

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #152121 in Music
• Released on: 1993-03-01
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Customer Reviews

music that reshaped Jamaica
This is one of the CD's that everybody talk about, that you NEED in order to know reggae. The title song is known as the anthem of reggae, one of the most influential reggae songs ever, sung in Jamaican churches & inspiring countless remakes. Another of reggae's most major songs ever, Declaration of Rights, is on here too. All the other tracks, including the last 4 which were quite rare until being added to this CD, may not be as well known, but are just as gloriously good. The music flows right religious fervor. The lyrics ring with righteousness. Since you've come to this CD, welcome to the right place!

Dubroom Review
Satta Massagana has been a Rasta anthem for a long time, the riddim (bassline) has been played by many artists. A lot of groups have their own version of the song. Here you have the The Abyssinians, another Vocal Trio from Jamaica. Originators of at least two of these classic Rasta anthems: Declaration of Rights and Satta. Both tracks you can find on this CD, which is a remixed collection of 14 titles from 8 original mastertapes. That I must say is not an undivided good thing, because the original mix differs from the mixes on this compilation. Still, because the Abyssinians are considered well essential and crucial this CD is a must, especially when you do not have the vinyl version. There is a heavy spiritual vibe in the vocals of the Abyssinians. Their harmony is perfect and considered one of the most inspiritational trios! They certainly spread a gospel vibe because in the time of this recording they were attending the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The music is heavy 1970's Roots Reggae, played by Reggae's top musicians. Lot of easy skanking one drops, horn themes on this one.

You have to listen closely...
Yes, the songs are all the same tempo, and they all start with a variant on the classic reggae drum roll. But in order to truly appreciate this album, you have to listen closely--not only to the lyrics, but to the inflection of the voices. This album is, in a way, sad; the songs are wrought with a sense of pain that other albums don't convey. Listen to the WAY that "Black Man's Strain" is sung, and the pain in his voice when he sings the word "Why..?" Or the sweetness in his voice in Reason Time, when he is pleading with others to just "walk and talk" so as to reason with each other rather than fight.

This album is filled with subtleties like this that make it unique and a pleasure to listen to. And we can all feel and learn something if we listen close enough.